In two weeks, the world will be gearing up to witness some of the greatest athletes in the world compete at the 2016 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. These athletes have been training and perfecting their sport for years, and maybe even spent their whole lives working to represent their country at this year's Olympics. As we are right around the corner, thousands of athletes are making sure they're prepared for their moment, but is Rio ready for them?
For decades, it seems that every Olympic Games has had its fair share of issues and malfunctions at every venue. It is a daunting task to prepare and build a whole city in under a few years for these events. However, it should be a priority for the International Olympic Committee to do everything possible to make sure these venues are in top shape for so many athletes, coaches, staff, and fans.
Currently, not only are most venues in Rio still under construction, but the city itself looks like one big construction site. These kinds of catastrophes could have been avoided if the right support system was developed for Rio. Without the Olympics in the picture, Rio is already struggling through crime, poverty, and many health concerns. For some, the IOC's involvement in Brazil was expected to potentially bring the city back to life, but it seems to be causing greater harm to its residents and the many guests to come.
Unfinished accommodations in the Athlete's Village are definitely not a new issue, considering the numerous accounts of athletes that presented their terrible living conditions on social media at the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi. As athletes are currently moving in, some teams, including Australia's National Team, are refusing to allow their athletes to reside in the Village due to exposed wires and blocked toilets.
However, it's the current health concerns in Brazil that will put all athletes and attendants at risk. Within the last year, fear of the Zika virus is creating a lot tension between athletes, doctors, and the IOC. A few handfuls of athletes have decided to withdraw from this year's Games over the concerns of the mosquito virus. Although August presents cooler and drier, winter weather in Brazil, many are still worried there's a chance mosquitos will be an issue.
For the large amount of athletes participating in sports that come in contact with Rio's open water, such as rowing, canoeing, marathon swimming, triathlons, and sailing, pollution and waste are a major risk. Some teams are trying to develop ways to protect their athletes from infections and diseases, such as specially designed anti-microbial unisuits created by US Rowing for their athletes, but after hosting the 2015 Junior World Rowing Championships, there is proof that there isn't a whole lot more that can be done to prevent illness. The pollution is already too severe to not affect some athletes.
With such a short amount of time before the Olympic Games begin, a lot of these issues will not be solved. One could only hope that the many athletes and visitors will get the right attention over their health and safety.
